Facebook Fridays
Welcome to an overdue edition of Facebook Fridays featuring theater actors Cris Villonco, Carlo Orosa, Sheenly Gener, and Kenneth Keng...
SPOTLIGHT ON: Cris Villonco
There's something about Cris Villonco when she takes to the stage. Whatever the character she is playing, be it Ophelia in Hamlet, or Zafira in Orosman at Zafira, or Maria Clara in Noli Me Tangere, there is a certain je ne sais quoi about her, an unexplainable X-Factor, an unparalleled actor's instinct and a gorgeous voice honed over the years which has evidently marked her as one of the brightest stars of the stage today. Since pursuing her studies at Sarah Lawrence, and being herself descended from a clan that hails Tita Armida as its matriarch, theater has found a bona fide star and a leading lady in Cris.
That's her as Maria in Resorts World Manila's THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Catch her now through December, alternating with Joanna Ampil.
SPOTLIGHT ON: Kenneth Keng
Many of you who go to the theater may not be so familiar with Kenneth Keng but this guy packs a wallop: wit, comedy and just the right amount of sarcasm in every role that he portrays. While he has essayed bit roles in plays like Romeo and Bernadette, and other work with Koine and Word of Mouth, most recently in Picasso at the Lapine Agile by Steve Martin, he is mostly known for being the funny slash witty guy from SPIT, or Silly People's Improv Theater headed by another theater actor and TV personality himself, Gabe Mercado. Not many possess the kind of humor that Kenneth has - you'd have to be of the learned type to get it but very charming nevertheless.
That's him with the amazing cast of Word of Mouth Theater's Picasso at the Lapin Agile. Do try to catch them again in November. Fantastic material. You'll learn a thing or two.
SPOTLIGHT ON: Sheenly Gener
Sheenly Gener is full of surprises. I first worked with her in our recent production of Sweet Charity under 9 Works Theatrical. I later on come to find out that the quiet and unassuming assistant stage manager to Aries Alcayaga was actually the star of Insiang, one of TP's celebrated plays several years back. Apparently, she does production work as well. That's what I love about theater. It's a small community; ergo, a family.
I love Walking Dead! So glad it's back for a full season. Pero please lang, wag naman 6 episodes lang. And not even 10 episodes ala Game of Thrones. I want a full season! I actually follow the comic books too. If my guesses are correct, this season they'll be in the farm and possibly the governor's concentration camp. Exciting!
SPOTLIGHT ON: Carlo Orosa
This guy needs no introduction. He is none other than Carlo Orosa, the head of Stages which in recent years has evolved into an artist and talent management outfit over and above producing some of the best musicals you've seen to date. Remember the gorgeous West Side Story at the Meralco Theater, and the current Peter Pan being co-produced with Repertory Philippines, yep, both Stages Productions. And years back, they also did Footloose the Musical starring Iya Villania and Jay-R though I didn't get to see that.
May I just add that I love what Carlo and Audie (Gemora) are doing for the theater community. They have their own formula which I appreciate - that they are making stars out of theater actors so that having crossed-over to the mainstream, they can bring mainstream audiences to the theater. I think it's brilliant. Kanya-kanyang contribution ang mga theater company sa industry natin which admittedly, steadily growing.
Speaking of Jay-R...
he is now being handled by Stages as well. It's a growing empire. Congrats Carlo!